Stepping into the Relaxation Centre of Queensland is like driving along the highway and rising over a crest to see the wide expanse of beautiful blue ocean ahead of you. Another world opens that has the potential to unshackle, calm and free the mind, heart, body and soul from life’s burdens, tragedies and illnesses. The feeling of serenity is soothing and comforting in this sanctuary on Brisbane’s inner northside. Books, CDs and DVDs adorn racks around the store, as well... Read More

A Sunshine Coast school celebrates 30 years of its community fundraiser Strawbfest on 3 September, with live music, prizes and plenty of strawberries. The Twist Brothers Strawberry Farm opposite Chevallum State School donates the fruit from one of its fields for the event. Children from every grade help pick the strawberries, with the motto “pick three, eat one”. Parent & Citizens president Ben Calder, who has been involved in organising Strawbfest for five years,... Read More

In the slums around Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor in Kerala, India, poverty is everywhere. In one village children as young as 10 work on fishing boats instead of going to school. Just 2km away from Vizhinjam waves break cleanly on the shores of Kovalam Beach. It was here that Jelle Rigole, a 32-year-old Belgian, realised surfing could be used to get kids inside classrooms. “I first came to Kovalam in 2005 on a social studies trip with the not-for-profit Sebastian Indian Social... Read More

State and federal politicians joined a protest of about 300 people outside Queensland parliament on Tuesday organised by pro-life Rethink Abortion campaigners. The protestors demonstrated with speeches, song and dance against the “Women’s right to choose” bill introduced by Independent MP Rob Pyne. Opposition MP Mark Robinson told the rally he would oppose the bill and encouraged men to stand by their women when an unexpected pregnancy occurs and to support them. “It’s... Read More

Countries that don’t have abortion on the criminal code have lower abortion rates than Queensland, according to Independent MP Rob Pyne. Mr Pyne said countries like Holland which have abortion on demand had one-tenth the abortion rate of Queensland. Passionate about decriminalising abortion, Mr Pyne told Newsbytes he didn’t understand the thinking behind the idea that babies one day short of nine months would be aborted if abortion was not in the criminal code – “a... Read More